Final answer:
The noun 'effect' refers to the result of an influence, while the verb 'affect' means to produce a change. It's crucial to use the correct term to maintain the intended meaning of a sentence.
Step-by-step explanation:
Difference and Definition of Effect and Affect
The words effect and affect are often confused due to their similar spelling and pronunciation, yet they have distinct meanings and uses in the English language.
The noun effect refers to the outcome or result of an influence. For example, 'The effect of the increased minimum wage will be a 10 percent decrease in the federal poverty rate.
On the other hand, the verb affect means to produce a change in something. An example would be, 'The wine affected me, but it seemed to have no effect on my roommate.'
It is important to distinguish between these two terms when writing, as using one in place of the other can alter the meaning of a sentence. For instance, one could cause something to happen (effect as a verb), or something could influence one's emotions or thoughts (affect as a noun in psychological terms).